The Dallas Mavericks may not have their newly acquired player on the roster much longer, depending on what he decides to do.
The Dallas Mavericks are fully reckoning with the fallout, and what they really received, in the trade with the Los Angeles Lakers for Luka Doncic. One of those pieces was Anthony Davis, who headlined the trade package in exchange for Doncic, and was subsequently traded by the Mavs one year later to the Washington Wizards. That deal brought Khris Middleton to Dallas, who is coming off a 25-point performance with seven rebounds and seven assists in the team’s win on Sunday over the Indiana Pacers. But the Mavs are reckoning with a major decision ahead of the March 1 buyout deadline.
That performance by Middleton may be the last in a Dallas uniform, as it’s reported that the 34-year-old is being offered the opportunity to pursue a buyout to join a contender for a postseason run. The team is reportedly fully leaving the decision up to Middleton on whether he wants to stay or be released. NBA Insider Marc Stein reports that Dallas values his production and experience past this season, telling Middleton he has a place on the team next year if he stays. But with the Mavericks not exactly looking to win, will the three-time All-Star and 2021 NBA champion try to win one more championship?
Here is the full story from Mavs Roundtable writer Mike Fisher on the major news out of Dallas.
It’s quite clear – the future is Flagg. All decisions the organization is making are around a future headlined by franchise superstar Cooper Flagg. Next year will look to fix things, via the draft and with a young core and a healthy Kyrie Irving. Much like the aging Davis, it’s not clear whether Middleton fits that well into those plans.